Summary
The Capita Spring Break Powder 161 Tree Hunter line is exceptionally different from almost any other powder board we tried. Our review is for the Tree Hunter 161 and the older discontinued Powder Pill 158. They have lot's of differences but all have that same uniquely thick, super-floaty feel, unlike any other board we tried.Where To Buy
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Riding Style | Powder |
Riding Level | Advanced - Expert |
Fits Boot size (US) | 8-10, 10-12 |
Manufactured in | Austria at The Mothership |
Shape | Tapered Directional |
Camber Profile | Flat to Rocker |
Stance | Setback over 20mm |
Approx. Weight | Feels Light |
Split | No |
On Snow Feel | |
Turn Initiation | |
Skidded Turns |
Flex | |
Buttering | |
Edge Hold |
Where To Buy
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Capita Spring Break Tree Hunter Table Video and Written Review Review by The Good Ride
Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews. We do make money from the “Where To Buy” links, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average riders’ perspective.
Capita Spring Break Tree Hunter 161 2017 Review
We have the 2017 Spring Break Tree Hunter. The 2018 Spring Break Tree Hunter has some improvements to the flex, core, rails ect to make the ride better but it’s still pretty close in terms of personality. If you can swing the 2018 the improved tech makes the ride better but it’s not enough for me to dump my 17 Spring Break to get a new one.
How This Review Happened: We spent our precious Good Ride dollars to buy this for you, good readers. Then we liked it soo much we kept it.
Size: 161 Tree Hunter
Days: 15+
Conditions: Some occasional groomers but mainly moderate to very very deep powder. Some was thick and mean and other days light and fluffy.
Riders: James, Jimbo, Matt,
Boots: Burton Almighty, Adidas Tactical ADV, Burton SLX, Burton Rover,
Bindings: Union Atlas, Burton Genesis X
Set Up: Everything from 18 front -9 back to 18 front 0 back and a few in between.
Approximate Weight
Feels light for how big and thick it is but overall pretty normal compared to other 161’s which is a pretty cool accomplishment.
Flex
It feels stiff if you are flexing it in the shop yet on snow it can butter better than you would think.
Sizing
The Nose and Waist are super wide but it tapers back to a normal tail size so it’s manageable even for my size 9 boots.
On Snow Feel
This is a pure powder board and just about everything you would ever want for a dedicated powder board for those that see the deep deep often. Stable one footing off the chair and flat basing and not a hard board to ride despite how different it is compared to many other boards out there.
Edge Hold
Same Capita Flat to Rocker edge hold that let’s go very easy in hard snow. It’s probably the one weakness because even on the deepest of days wind can expose ice and make it a sketchy time.
Turn Initiation
The Capita Spring Break Powder Tree Hunter is surprisingly easy to turn. All that taper going on really makes it manageable and I could weave in and out of trees better than boards that have a lot less volume going on. It’s kind of a medium turner on groomers but the deeper the powder gets the more it becomes a medium/fast turner.
Turning Experience
It’s not the most boring board I’ve tried it definitely is a different board turning on groomers than it is in powder. It’s the kind of board you put away when the powder is gone. You can ride groomers and get along fine but there are soo many snowsurfers that do a much better job.
Carving
Not a carver and it’s pretty uneventful from beginning to end. It can be done but it’s not fun.
Skidded Turns
Very easy to skid a turn and even though it’s a weird shape we always felt like we could easily skid to a stop.
Speed
It’s pretty fast and we felt that the Capita Spring Break Tree Hunter can go pretty fast as long as it’s in the deep stuff.
Uneven Terrain
We had no problem turning in uneven snow even compared to the other boards we have used on the same day with it. It can handle bumpy messy resort snow rather well for its large nose and waist.
Powder
What can I say here except it’s one of the most floaty boards I’ve ever been on. Most of the board sits on top of the snow like the Jones Hovercraft but the tail sinks enough to make it feel like it’s helping you steer with ease. The Capita Spring Break Tree Hunter 161 floats better than the old 170+cm camber boards I use to ride before the rocker days. It’s the kind of board I would take on a Heli trip if I could afford to take those. The deeper the better for the Tree Hunter. When setting all the way back at a 22.75″ stance width the difference between nose and tail is a touch more than 8.75″ making the setback on board -4.375″. That isn’t super far back but it’s pretty good. Then you factor in the super narrow low volume tail along with the big ass nose that has some early rise going on you have a very floaty board.
So overall, the way the Capita Spring Break Tree Hunter Floats is special and amazing. It’s hard to recommend boards like these that are so one dimensional (aka powder only) but it’s such a special pow surfer but if you can swing it then don’t hesitate. Peter has my 158 Powder Pill and I own the 161 Tree Hunter. It’s hard for me to even swing favorite boards like these because even at a pro-form discount they are more than most boards list price. My kids might have to get a second job in college but I’m going to try not to part with these rides.
Capita Spring Break Powder 161 Tree Hunter Specs
Capita Spring Break Powder 161 Tree Hunter Images
Capita Spring Break Powder 161 Tree Hunter User Reviews
Easy fun
Blast to ride, board sits extremely high in snow. Was lucky enough to catch a 5 day storm in Tahoe last year and picked this up on sale mid-way through. The board changes how you ride deep snow.
Super bouncy and surfy, while being able to rip through tight trees. Powder only, recommend stiffer bindings. Pricey but worth it.
Perfect for deep days and a great carver - wouldnt push it too hard
I love this board, as TGR states, you forgive it a great deal because its incredible on the deep days.
I found in Whis, on a pow day the first 4/5 runs were incredible, and from then on I really was just trying to survive riding it.
Being relatively light with smallish feet didnt help my control of the deck. So I would save it for the deep days rather than use as a resort board (although it rips a carve!!)
A lot of people warn about the fragility, I went big quite a few times with this deck and the board survived.
Dont know how long it could keep doing that for before snapping.
TLDR: Probably best suited to taller/heavier guys, the board can rip a carve & charge, just sensational when its deep - like nothing else.
Amazing
I have the 2014 158 Orange and Blue version. It is amazing in powder. Just a whole new totally different experience. I have a very fancy TRS Firepower that is a fantastic board but doesn't touch this board on a pow day. I demoed a NS Cobra and it felt like thin crap compared to my SpringBreak. I cant say enough good things about this board. You know the first time you ride powder and you're like "ohhhhhh". Well, you can have that feeling again. Get this board. I believe the thickness is part of the key. Not just the shape. I lent it to a guy for one run and he was laughing and smiling the whole time. Its also really really well built. Buy it. You will not regret it for a second.
The only bad characteristic is its performance on ice or flat surfaces. It will try and kill you. Maybe that's the trade off for the best powder experience of your life.
Where To Buy
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